A beautiful city famous for its history, gardens, and buzzing markets is a perfect place for travellers looking for an affordable holiday. Marrakech, known as the Red City of Morocco, is just three hours from London.

The city is renowned for its stunning architecture, which reflects a blend of Islamic, Moorish, and Berber influences.

It is home to numerous historic landmarks, including the iconic Koutoubia Mosque, the Bahia Palace, and the intricately decorated Ben Youssef Madrasa.

The heart of Marrakech is its ancient walled Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Within the narrow, maze-like streets of the Medina, visitors can explore bustling souks (markets), where they can shop for traditional Moroccan handicrafts, spices, and textiles. 

The main square, Jemaa el-Fnaa, is a vibrant hub of activity, with street performers, food stalls, and traditional storytellers.

The Middle Eastern city is also famous for its lush gardens and green spaces, which provide oases of tranquillity amid the bustling city. 

The Jardin Majorelle, designed by the French artist Jacques Majorelle and later restored by fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, is one of the city’s most popular attractions.

A melting pot of cultures, the city has influences from Arab, Berber, and French traditions. 

Its diverse cuisine offers aromatic tagines and couscous dishes to freshly squeezed orange juice and traditional Moroccan pastries like baklava and msemen.

One can easily get a stay starting at £10 per night in any of the hostels. Hostel Riad Marrakech Rouge is a well-positioned 85-bed hostel across two riads, which includes a shared kitchen area and a courtyard often full of digital nomads and travellers enjoying the warm evenings.

Wizzair offers flights from the UK to Marrakech Menara Airport. Currently, return flights depart three times a week from London Gatwick; prices start at £21.99 each way.

The city has received wonderful reviews on Tripadvisor’s travel forum. 

One visitor wrote: “Marrakech was a delightful destination- I highly recommend it for a winter break. I escaped the dull dreary and cold weather of Northern Europe and found myself in 25-degree heat after only a three-hour flight.

“Morocco is really like another world. I felt like I went back in time straight into a scene from Disney’s Aladdin. The snake charmers, the musicians, the gorgeous clothes and home decor, the mint tea, the delicious food- all at fantastic prices- I couldn’t recommend this place enough!

“Think outside the box and discover Morocco- it’s a feast for the senses and you’ll dream about this place the minute you leave!”

A second user said: “I would strongly recommend Marrakech as a unique and amazing experience. I have now been six times in three years and just love it. Each time I go, I discover new places and most of all new friends. The Moroccans are wonderful people who accept you for what you are with no reservations and will remember you each time you return.

“I need to make a special mention about ‘Brahim’ who runs IDASTOURS Excursions ([–]) in and around Marrakech. Camel rides, quad biking and evenings in the desert are just a few trips available. He goes out of his way to make every experience good for his customers and always with an enormous smile!I cannot wait to return later in the year for some more trips and of course, some amazing shopping!”